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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
There’s really nothing that says Saturday or Sunday morning like a big ol’ plate of piping hot waffles topped with a pad of butter and a heavy hand of syrup. But really, any time is a good time for the breakfast treat, especially considering you can even make savory options to put a fun spin on dinner. And while it’s certainly possible to find frozen waffles at the store, nothing really beats the taste and texture of homemade waffles—a task that can be simplified with the right waffle max.
Waffle mixes make quick work of the process without sacrificing the end result. In most cases, all you have to do is stir the dry mix with water and then pour the batter into a greased waffle iron. From classic buttermilk to gluten-free and whole grain, there’s something to suit every taste and diet, too. Our top pick, the Krusteaz Light & Crispy Belgian Waffle Mix only requires water, eggs, and oil and yields smooth waffles that aren’t too sweet, but if you’re looking for something else, we scoured the grocery aisles to find the best waffle mixes just for you.
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Not overly sweet
Batter is mostly smooth
Only water required
No instructions for smaller servings
A staple in food service establishments, the Krusteaz Light & Crispy Belgian Waffle Mix is praised for yielding smooth waffles that aren’t too sweet. And lucky for at-home chefs, you can score the mix in smaller family-size boxes.
It’s easy to prepare these waffles, too. All you have to do is mix in water, an egg, and a little bit of oil. There’s room for customization, too. If you prefer richer waffles, the directions recommend adding extra oil or eggs. Of course, you can also add in chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit for even more breakfast-time fun. Either way, you’ll end up with a meal that rivals one your favorite restaurant serves—a warm, fully center and crisp, crunchy edges.
Flavor: Classic Belgian | Package Volume: 28 ounces | Servings Per Container: 14
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Organic
Can be made without egg
Can be delivered via Amazon Fresh
Not in a resealable box
Organic isn’t always the more expensive option, and the Whole Foods 365 brand pancake and waffle mix proves that. The high-quality waffle mix is certified organic and kosher, but comes at a price tag that closely mirrors other non-organic options.
Like other great waffle mixes, the process is simple. Just add water or milk, melted butter, one egg, and a touch of honey to make either waffles or pancakes. The result is a breakfast treat with classic buttermilk flavor and fluffy texture.
We love the large 32-ounce container since it yields 23 solid servings. It’s the perfect size for bigger families or a holiday brunch, but note that the package isn’t resealable. To keep the mix as fresh as possible, use it all in one serving or stash it in a sealed reusable container before putting it back in the pantry.
Flavor: Buttermilk | Package Volume: 32 ounces | Servings Per Container: 23
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Makes crisp, flavorful waffles
Can make both pancakes and waffles
Kids love the flavor
Need to add several ingredients
Pricey and not available in all stores
This waffle mix requires a little more effort on the part of the chef—you need eggs, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter—but there’s a reason Stonewall Kitchen is so beloved when it comes to brunch staples like waffles. The waffles this mix yields are super rich with a depth of flavor you don’t usually get unless you’re cooking from scratch. (Note: Because of this, we’ve heard rumblings that these waffles aren’t sweet enough for some kids!)
This 16-ounce package can make more than a dozen waffles—more than the average household needs. We love that the tin is easy to seal and save the rest for later, too. It is, however, on the pricier side. Not to mention, you won’t find it in all stores. But, on the upside, Stonewall Kitchen makes fabulous gift baskets that contain the mix—a great present for a housewarming or holiday.
Flavor: Buttermilk | Package Volume: 33 ounces | Servings Per Container: 18
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Can make both pancakes and waffles
Makes light, fluffy pancakes
Easy to make
Texture can be a bit dry
You’ve probably seen this waffle mix on the shelf in your grocery store—it’s been a staple for years and years. In fact, one bite and you’ll probably be transported right back to your childhood. The waffles are nice and crispy and full of buttery flavor, albeit slightly dry.
Still, they’re easy to whip up—even on a school day. All you have to do is add water, eggs, and oil. If you’re making pancakes, the process is even easier—just add water. Like other family-friendly products, this mix comes in a hefty yet inexpensive 32-ounce package that yields a whopping 21 servings.
Flavor: Buttermilk | Package Volume: 32 ounces | Servings Per Container: 21
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High in fiber and whole grains
Makes flavorful pancakes and waffles
Includes additional recipes on packaging
Package doesn’t contain allergy-friendly instructions
If you’re looking for something with a little more nutritional substance than your average bread-heavy breakfast, take a look at the organic seven-grain waffle mix from Bob’s Red Mill. This waffle mix is made from several whole grain flours, including wheat, rye, spelt, corn, oat, Kamut, quinoa, and brown rice to give diners a punch of protein and fiber that’s more sustaining than traditional waffles. As a nice bonus, the mix is also USDA-certified organic and kosher.
Despite the health benefits, these waffles are easy to make. The package displays two recipes, both of which require you to stir the mix together with water, oil, and one egg. You can tweak them to be allergy-friendly by swapping the egg for applesauce—just note that it may change the texture of the end result slightly.
Flavor: 7-grain | Package Volume: 24 ounces | Servings Per Container: 17
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High in protein and fiber
Quick and easy to prepare
Made from non-GMO grains
Texture is a bit gritty and dense
Another great option for those looking for a more substantial breakfast option, Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix is a whole-grain product that’s both non-GMO and kosher. It’s versatile, too. Use the mix—which first debuted on the TV show "Shark Tank"—to make waffles, pancakes, flapjacks, and other baked goods.
No matter how you use it, the product is made from 100 percent whole grains and delivers an impressive 14 grams of protein per serving to help you stay full longer. And, if you want to up the protein content even more, you can always prep the mix with milk and eggs instead of the simpler "just add water" method—the box outlines both options clearly. If there’s any downside, it’s that this nutritional complexity does affect the taste and texture slightly—so the resulting waffles can be grittier and denser than more traditional versions you may be used to.
Flavor: Buttermilk | Package Volume: 20 ounces | Servings Per Container: 10
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Made of rice flour
Can be made dairy-free/vegan
Resealable packaging
Slightly pricey
It wasn’t long ago that gluten-free diners had to pass on breakfast staples like pancakes and waffles, but today there are plenty of options—some of which are truly worthy substitutes. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Pancake mix is one of them. The mix, which can technically be used for pancakes or waffles, is made with a blend of rice flour, brown rice flour, potato starch, whole-grain sorghum flour, and tapioca flour to keep things gluten-free. But when you mix it with some butter, an egg, and milk, then ladle the batter into your waffle iron, you’ll get waffles that are fluffy on the outside and crispy on the edges.
Overall, this mix is on the more expensive side, but it does contain more than one pound of mix that yields an impressive 17 servings—plenty for multiple mornings, even for a family of four. The packaging is resealable, too, so it’s easy to keep the product fresh in the pantry.
Flavor: 7-grain | Package Volume: 24 ounces | Servings Per Container: 17
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Allergen-friendly
Vegan-friendly
Just add water
Few servings per container
Pricey and not widely available
Anyone with allergies knows that it can be difficult to find delicious foods that are safe to eat—particularly because so many products are made in facilities that produce foods that include known allergens like nuts. But this pancake and waffle mix is here to save the day—well, breakfast time, at least. It’s free from the top nine allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame), as well as other common allergens like lupin, crustaceans, sulfites, mustard, casein. The product is also certified vegan, plant-based, non-GMO, and gluten-free, making it a worthy choice for nearly anyone with special dietary requirements.
Still, it’s easy to whip up a yummy batch of pancakes or waffles. All you have to do is add water and oil to the dry mix and spoon it onto your griddle or into your waffle iron. The brand also makes a fun kid-friendly flavor: Confetti Pancake and Waffle Mix, which yields breakfast treats studded with colorful sprinkles. Unfortunately, though, the boxes are pricey and on the small side. Plus, they can be hard to track down.
Flavor: Classic | Package Volume: 10 ounces | Servings Per Container: 7
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Sweetened with monk fruit
Thick batter
Makes flavorful pancakes and waffles
Oil is also recommended for waffles
Polarizing taste
One of the best things about homemade waffles is just how easy they are to make. Some of the best options—this paleo- and gluten-free option included—don’t require anything more than water. The mix in this box contains a blend of gluten-free flours, leavening, and eggs, so all you need to do is add some water and stir. For best results, you can also add a bit of oil (the brand recommends coconut oil), but it’s truly optional.
The resulting waffles have a uniquely sweet flavor that comes from the monk fruit. Because of this, you really don’t need much syrup—perfect to keep breakfast on the healthier side. It is worth noting, though, monk fruit tends to be polarizing. If you know you don’t like it, you may want to look elsewhere.
Flavor: Classic | Package Volume: 12 ounces | Servings Per Container: 10
Our top pick is the Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix. The batter is smooth, and the waffles aren't too sweet. Plus, making them couldn't be easier—just add water. Looking for an impressive breakfast? You can't go wrong with the Stonewall Kitchen Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix. The mix takes a little bit more effort on the part of the chef, but the result is well worth it—a breakfast with more complex flavor than what you get from your average mix.
What to Look for When Buying Waffle Mix
Ease of Preparation
For your convenience, many waffle mixes can make both pancakes and waffles. But pay close attention to the package directions, especially if you’re planning on making waffles. In general, the "only add water" accolade on these packages only applies to the pancake recipe. Waffles generally need other ingredients including oil or eggs. While this shouldn’t be too much of a deal-breaker—most people readily stock these types of pantry staples—it does add a bit of time to the task, plus it can yield extra dishes in the process. On the upside, you may get more homemade-like results from mixes that require more ingredients, since they more closely resemble from-scratch recipes.
Ingredients
If you have any special dietary requirements—gluten-free or vegan, for example—you can still indulge in waffles. In fact, the right waffle mixes may actually make it easier for you to indulge, since you won’t have to stock special flours and ingredients. Today, there are plenty of mixes for all kinds of dietary restrictions, and many—like Kodiak and Bob’s Red Mill products—are readily available in grocery stores. Some are specifically tailored to suit special diets; others provide instructions for simple swaps to whip up the right kind of waffles. Go with whatever you feel most comfortable with.
FAQs
Is waffle mix the same thing as pancake mix?
Though pancakes and waffles do have the same essential ingredients (flour, leavening, dairy, and eggs), waffles tend to have more fat and sugar than pancakes. The good news: Many boxed mixes can be used to make both—you just have to follow different instructions based on whether you’re making waffles or pancakes. "When using a pancake/waffle mix to make waffles, add an additional tablespoon of oil or melted butter, and 1-2 more tablespoons of sugar for a nice and crispy exterior," says Sarah House, Food Innovation Chef at Bob’s Red Mill.
How much waffle mix is needed for one waffle?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer, because every waffle maker is a little different in both size and style. Check your machine for specifics, but note that American-style waffles generally require about 1/2-cup of prepared batter, while Belgian-style waffle makers can accommodate a bit more batter—about 3/4-cup. Most mixes will tell you how many cups of batter a specific recipe will yield, so you can better figure out how many waffles your recipe will make.
What can you add to waffle mix?
This is where things get fun! Waffles are one of the most customizable foods, and you can feel free to experiment pretty freely. For a super easy way to add flavor, consider an extract like vanilla, lemon, almond, or even maple. Of course, you can also incorporate mix-ins for both flavor and texture. You can’t beat a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips (just be sure to use a lot of cooking spray to prevent the chips from sticking), some sprinkles, or fresh fruit. And, if you want to go savory, you can even try a firmer cheese like Gruyere or Parmesan. For toppers, swap maple syrup for a smear or jam, lemon curd, or honey. And don’t forget the whipped cream!
"At my house, we serve fresh, warm waffles stacked high and overflowing with berries! No syrup needed," says Denise Woodard, Founder and CEO of Partake Foods.
How do you make Belgian waffles?
"The main difference between Belgian waffles and traditional waffles is that Belgian waffles are often fluffier and crisper, with extra-deep pockets to hold more syrup and other toppings," says Laura Kasavan, creator and founder of the baking and desserts blog Tutti Dolci. But the process of mixing up the waffle batter and cooking the waffles is virtually the same. "Much of the difference in both texture and appearance comes down to the waffle iron," she says.
For Belgian-style waffles, cooking time is about 4 to 5 minutes per waffle, depending on the browning settings, she explains. Traditional waffle makers have shallower grooves and make thinner waffles that cook more quickly.
What can you add to waffle mix?
The best way to make waffles is with a high-quality waffle maker like the Cuisinart Mini Belgian Waffle Maker, which earned top honors in our roundup of best waffle makers after rigorous (and delicious) testing. This small countertop appliance is simple to use, easy to clean, and makes beautiful quartered waffles in a flash.
Pro tip: For best results, always grease the iron with butter or oil and make sure it’s piping hot before ladling in the batter. Follow manufacturer instructions, too—overfilling the waffle maker can lead to a very messy machine and counter.
How We Selected
Our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best waffle mixes sauces on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, ease of use, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used our own knowledge and first-hand experiences to choose the items listed above.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Donna Currie is a product tester and the writer of this roundup for The Spruce Eats. She also loves cooking (she authored "Make Ahead Bread"), so you can trust she knows how to make a good waffle. While she loves cooking from scratch, she won't hesitate to use a good mix that's been tried and tested.
The Spruce Eats writer Alyssa Langer is a registered dietitian and foodie, always curious about the next food or ingredient craze and hungry to learn and try more. Having worked in cookbook publishing, CPG label data, nutrition writing, and meal kits, her diverse background and varied interests provide a unique perspective that fosters clear, well-researched, and trustworthy reviews. She updated this story.
Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days.
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer who covers food and kitchen-related content for lifestyle brands, including The Spruce Eats. She received her culinary degree from The French Culinary Institute (now the Institute of Culinary Education) in New York City and is a former RealSimple.com editor with extensive experience testing and writing about kitchen products and appliances.
Sources
- Sarah House, Food Innovation Chef at Bob’s Red Mill
- Denise Woodard, Founder and CEO of Partake Foods
- Laura Kasavan, creator and founder of the baking and desserts blog Tutti Dolci
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